A Comparative Analysis of Political Systems: UK vs. US

When discussing the fairness of a political system, it is crucial to consider different perspectives. This article delves into the advantages and disadvantages of the political systems in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US), focusing on aspects such as campaign funding, voter participation, and the overall effectiveness of each system. Additionally, the article will examine recent issues in the US electoral process and propose suggestions for improvement.

The UK's Fair Political System

Democracy and Campaign Funding: One of the key advantages of the UK’s political system is the relative ease with which candidates can secure an election with less campaign funding. Unlike in the US, where candidates often need substantial financial backing to compete, UK candidates can run on a wider range of platforms without being restricted by wealth.

Furthermore, the UK’s multi-party system allows for a diverse range of political parties to gain substantial representation in the parliament. Currently, at least seven political parties hold significant seats, providing a level playing field for various viewpoints.

The US’s Democratic Process

Direct Voting: A unique aspect of the US political system is the direct involvement of citizens in voting for a wide range of officials, from local representatives to the President. This direct involvement grants the US a higher level of democratic engagement compared to the UK, where citizens do not technically vote for the Prime Minister, who is instead appointed.

However, the recent US election highlighted significant flaws in the electoral process, including delays in counting votes, which can lead to an open-ended outcome. Such delays raise suspicions of voter fraud, especially in tight races.

Proposed Reforms in the US Electoral System

Based on the recent events, several reforms are necessary to ensure a more transparent and efficient electoral process. Some key proposals include:

1. Immediate and Swift Vote Counting

The current system has revealed significant delays in vote counting, particularly in areas with lower voter turnout. It is crucial to implement measures to streamline this process. For instance, a week should be the maximum allowed for all regions to count their votes, with clear guidelines and oversight to prevent delays.

2. Limiting Presidential Powers

The outgoing president's powers must be significantly curtailed to minor administrative duties only until the inauguration of the new president. This step would prevent any potential abuse of power and ensure a smoother transition of power.

3. Reforming the Pardon System

Post-pardons issued by an impeached president should be eliminated. This move would prevent pardons being used as a get-out-of-jail-free card, reducing the risk of criminal actions being committed under the guise of presidential immunity.

4. Ensuring Integrity of Postal Voting

To address concerns about postal voting, postmarks on postal votes should indicate a date prior to the election, ensuring a reasonable delivery time. Only unopened votes bearing this postmark should be considered, with those opened before the election discarded.

Conclusion

While the UK’s political system excels in creating a fair environment for candidates from diverse backgrounds and on varied platforms, the US’s system offers direct voter engagement and broad representation. However, the recent US election has highlighted numerous areas for improvement, indicating the need for comprehensive reforms to bolster the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process.

Ultimately, the most effective political system is one that best serves the needs of its citizens and strengthens the country against external influences. In the ongoing debate about fairness in politics, it is essential to continuously evaluate and improve the systems that govern us.